To some, rock-climbing may seem to be “just” a sport, but to the many people who have had the opportunity to experience the joy and exhilaration of conquering their first climb, they will tell you that there is much more to it. Rock-climbing has many benefits, as our students experienced when we took them rock-climbing a few weekends ago.

The workout alone provides a medium for individuals to build self-confidence through gaining physical strength/fitness, bodily awareness, and coordination. Even more, rock-climbing is unique in its ability to teach out-of-the-box thinking; climbers have to, like a puzzle, figure out the best path to the top of the wall. Through repeated attempts and being faced with failure, people experience immense personal growth, like when they make it one hold higher or, even better, when they make it to the top. When a person can overcome their fear and anxiety in the climbing realm, they can then relate that experience directly to their everyday life. They gain self-awareness and the ability to respond positively and effectively to stressors and goals in their social-developmental environment. If they can climb that wall, then what’s to stop them from leading a happier, healthier, and successful life?